Fur hides the problem, so many owners never think about it. In a place where July afternoons average about 97 degrees, sun deserves a place on your pre-trip list next to heat and hot pavement.
Which dogs burn most easily
The American Animal Hospital Association lists three groups at higher risk: hairless dogs and cats, such as the Chinese crested dog or the Sphynx cat, breeds with short, thin hair or fair skin, and pets with medical conditions that cause hair loss. A dog that was recently shaved or clipped close can also burn where skin shows.
- Short, thin coats: many pointers, greyhound types, pit bull types, boxers and similar breeds.
- Pink skin showing through white or pale fur, especially on the nose.
- Hairless and nearly hairless dogs.
- Dogs clipped short for summer.
Where and how to look
AAHA names the ear flaps, the bridge of the nose, the belly, the groin and any shaved areas as the places to check. Look for red or tender skin, and be gentle, because a burn is painful. AAHA also notes that sunburn raises the long-term risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, and that a burn with blistering or open wounds calls for a veterinarian.
How owners reduce the risk
AAHA suggests considering pet-safe sunscreen for dogs at risk, applied to exposed areas such as the bridge of the nose, and says UV-blocking clothing is an option as long as you weigh the risk of overheating against the risk of sunburn. Ask your veterinarian which product is safe for your dog, because many human sunscreens are not made for pets.
Timing matters as much as products. The nearest NOAA station to Dixon, in Vacaville, averages about 27 days at 90 degrees or higher in July, so the sun is strongest and the pavement hottest in the middle of the day. Short outings in the morning and evening are easier on any dog.
How a Happy Paws stay handles sun
The 100 runs are indoor/outdoor, with doggie doors, so a dog is never stuck in the sun. The inside room is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, and a dog with a thin coat can choose to spend the hot hours indoors. Each run also has a Kuranda bed and blankets.
Tell staff on your boarding agreement about any skin conditions, recent clipping, or products you use on your dog. Medications are given at no extra charge. If you are choosing a kennel size for a lean, short-coated dog, the kennel class guide explains the options, and the Dixon summer heat guide covers temperatures.